Get a fresh air fix on Hillsboro's Tour de Parks bicycle ride Saturday

View full sizeMichal ThompsonThe 2012 Tour de Parks will start near the Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition shop, at the corner of Third Avenue and Lincoln Street. Organizers expect about 300 cyclists to participate Saturday in the family-oriented bike ride.

The six-park ride is described as "very bike friendly" and will be about 6 1/2 miles in length.

The 10-park ride is almost 13 miles long and includes a walk through Noble Woods Park (where bike riding is prohibited).

Some rules apply, most importantly the wearing of helmets by all riders, and riders under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Traffic will not be diverted for the ride and all cyclists must obey traffic laws. A $5 donation per adult rider is requested and riders are asked to register before joining the ride.

For the truly fit and experienced cyclist, there is Le Grande Tour, linking seven parks in seven cities and covering a scenic, winding and hilly 62 miles. This tour starts at 8 a.m., also from Northeast Third Avenue and Lincoln Street. (Registration on the day starts at 7 a.m. and a required $35 fee applies.) This loop includes parks in Hillsboro, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Tigard, Beaverton, and back to Hillsboro.

About 300 participants are expected in this year's tour. If your bike happens to be low on air or has a creaky chain, bring it over to the WCBTC shop at Third and Lincoln a bit early on Saturday. There will also be snacks and refreshments at the shop, but riders are encouraged to come supplied with sufficient water and snacks for the ride.

Do you have an extra bike? Bikes can be donated to the coalition at Third Avenue and Lincoln. Donations are tax-deductible. 